Gaps in Education for Children with Cancer: Complaint Filed

A complaint letter from a mother of a child with cancer to the Nicosia Primary Education Directorate and the Ministry of Education has highlighted shortcomings in hospital education. The letter, released shortly after the transfer of a teacher from the Makarios Hospital Pediatric Oncology Clinic, underscores the lack of institutional care for the education of children with serious illnesses.

In the letter, dated July 30, 2025, the mother expresses her outrage at the underestimation of hospital education, emphasizing that education is a fundamental right and a measure of psychological support. She states that the state ignores the needs of these children, leading to discrimination and neglect.

The letter refers to examples from other European countries, such as Germany and France, where hospital education is institutionalized. It calls for the institutionalization of organized hospital education in Cyprus, with sufficient staff and specialization, as well as a program for children who are abroad for treatment. It also calls for the appointment of a representative in the Ministry of Education to support hospitalized children.

The mother expresses concern about the transfer of teacher Eleni Anastasiou, emphasizing the crucial importance of her presence for the children. She calls on the ministry to reconsider this decision.